Final answer:
The Illinois juvenile court system is considered less friendly because it follows strict and punitive measures, which is a consequence of historical political populism emphasizing tough-on-crime approaches, overshadowing its rehabilitative intent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "Why is the Illinois juvenile court system, founded in 1899, not considered a friendlier place?" points towards option D) It follows strict and punitive measures. The juvenile court system was created with a rehabilitative ethos distinct from the adult criminal system. However, historical and current debate in the criminal justice system often revolves around the balance between punishment and rehabilitation, with some arguing that there are inefficiencies and unfair targeting within the system (option C). The past focus on 'getting tough on crime', particularly evident during the 'war on drugs', led to political populism where elected officials aimed to show they were 'tough on crime', resulting in more punitive measures being implemented across the justice system, including juvenile courts. This could explain why the system is perceived as less friendly, despite its initial purpose.